April 11th
2009
10:31 PM
I am keeping everyone updated because I cannot find any updated posts through the site. I took out my ring on April 8th (I believe) which was 3 days ago and the majority of the burning side effects are gone. However, I am spotting brown now and I am probably going to have the period of my life. Sex felt better 2 days after removing it but i'm still dry and have burning afterwards,just not as intense.
-- By feduphurting | Reply | (4) replies | Private Message me
February 25th
2009
11:55 AM
I had the Mirena Coil inserted in Jan 2008 (age 42), for heavy and painful periods and fibroids.I was told by my Gynaecologist that ''It's the best thing since sliced bread''....It took a few months for the bleeding to slow down and I was bleeding approx every 2 weeks, sometimes bright red clots, then 'old' brown blood. I would (and still am) experiencing pain before, during and after a period, particularly in my pelvis and low back and across the front of my tummy. In July 2008 I had pain constantly for 2 weeks, yet basic swabs for std (I'm in a monogamous relationship), revealed no abnormality and no uti. I was having regular check ups with my Gynaecologist, telling her how much pain I was in. I persevered for the 'recommended' year of having it in place. In Jan 2009 I began with excruciating pain which lasted 3 weeks. I had a routine pap smear which was normal except for Actinomyces. As I was symptomatic I asked my GP to remove the Mirena. It was sent for histology and revealed it had grown Gram Positive Cocci. I am still waiting for extended culture results. A high vaginal swab also revealed I had Bacterial Vaginosis and Mixed Anaerobes. I am due to finish 3 weeks of Amoxycillin antibiotics tomorrow for the Positive Cocci, and am on my second lot of Clindamycin Phosphate inserted internally for the Bacterial Vaginosis as I was still in a lot of pain and in desperation went to my GUMed clinic which revealed I still had the BV despite having 1 lot of treatment. I am waiting for a Laparoscopy in April. I am so angry that I have suffered for over a year with the Mirena. I have no idea what my periods will be like in future or when they will return in full. This IUD has affected my relationship with my partner and family, my social life and my working life. I live in the UK and I would sue the makers if the opportunity arises.
M.
January 25th
2009
1:35 PM
Hi ladies, i have had mirena coil since august 2003 and was supposed to have it removed august 2008. Due to a crap childhood i don't like anyone coming near me and my doc will not let me get it removed under general anaesthetic, but i so want to get it removed.
I have had the same problems, weight gain, depression (which doc gave me prozac for, and still taking), pains in the stomach, hair loss, mood swings (felt really sorry for the person on the other end of them), stringy brown blood (old blood),poor concentration, really bad memory and so on.
I put all my problems down to an under active thyroid which i do have, because some of the symptoms are the same. I am so glad i found this site and to know i am not the only one.
For anyone reading this site and considering having a Mirena coil fitted, i strongly suggest you think about it long and hard, i know some people have no problems at all and think it's the best thing since sliced bread, they are the extremely lucky ones.
Good luck everyone
December 30th
2008
4:15 PM
I had my mirena coil fitted 7 months ago by choice after an early stage miscarriage in April-my second in 15 months.My husband and I decided that we would not go for another baby(we have 3 great kids aged 4-14)and the mirena was the obvious choice.I had previously had the mirena 9 years before with absolute success and only had it removed as it was 5 years old. I experienced all the usual early settling niggles(bleeding,bloating,tiredness etc)but for the last 6 weeks every time i visit the loo there are strandy brown blood clots (old blood)My first thoughts were that the mirena has moved but length of strings suggests not.I am wondering if anyone else has experienced this as i know i did not have this problem with my last mirena?
-- By luluc | Reply | (1) replies | Private Message me
December 12th
2008
12:46 PM
I have been taking Quasense for 10 weeks and I have been bleeding for 2 months. Not period but the brown blood. I've also gained a lot of weight to the point it's noticeable by everyone. My appetite has also increased. Other than the bleeding the pills are fine.
-- By ljohn304 | Reply | (1) replies | Private Message me
November 20th
2008
12:50 PM
Wow, some really interesting stories about NuvaRing on here. I had never head about it until 3 weeks ago when getting my annual, I brought up using Seasonale birth control and my doctor told me about the Ring, so he gave me a sample and sent me on my way. It was really convenient - except when I started having sex, I would take it out and put it back in afterwards. Not sure if that was smart or not. I took it out Friday of last week, and Monday started spotting brown blood - thought this was normal. Tuesday morning around 9:30 am I had severe cramps, headache and could barely walk when the cramps came. I got lightheaded and short of breath. Finally, when I went to the bathroom I had wiped and noticed pure blood (Im sure most can tell the difference between period blood and bleeding from an infection of some sort), when I looked down I saw a large mass of some sort. I freaked out because a friend had had a miscarriage and this looked exactly like it. I called the doctor who advised me to collect it and come in asap. I did have sex that weekend I was off it so I freaked out.
When I went in I was advised it was a side effect of the Ring. It was called a decidua cast, basically a linin of your uterus that is formed when pregnant, a lot of times this is shed due to an ectopic pregnancy. Ever sense then I have had the worst period EVER! Constant bleeding, I have to change my pad every 1-2 hours instead of 3-4 (I am afraid to use a tampon right now after this). The blood clots are just horrible.
I WOULD NOT RECOMMEND NUVARING!
-- By snookums1015 | Reply | (1) replies | Private Message me
November 10th
2008
11:12 PM
I just recently had the mirena iud inserted. Oct 30 2008. 3 months after having my first child under a normal vaginal delivery. When I have asked my doctor regarding any side affects he stated that women may have heavy bleeding the first 6 months/ and that after those 6 months that your periods will actually disappear.
The first week that I had the mirena in, I began bleeding almost instantly. Blood clots the size of my closed fist came out of my body from the uterine wall I suppose. I went through a super tampon/ and a pad in an hour and a half. ( I am one of those women who normally use a super tampon maybe once in a while/ normally a reg. size does the job) This bleeding has not stopped since the mirena was inserted.
Looking at a computer screen is part of my daily routine at work. It seems as though my eyes feel blurry through out the day as I am working. Towards the end of the day I can barely stand to look at it. This has never happened to me before. It is almost like I want to turn all lights off and sit in the dark, with no noise(headaches).
Of course sex drive is at the all time low. Who is in the mood to go for it when you are bleeding with a terrible headache?
The first few nights I had a horrible time falling asleep and staying asleep.
Well... at this point I have had headaches... all day for a week now. My head hurts like someone is pounding it against a wall. I have not had a headache in years. My stomach has been upset/ feeling as though I may have to throw up.
I am afraid that I may start seeing the other symptoms that ladies have talked about.
When you had the symptoms did they all happen at once or one at a time over different time periods?
September 14th
2008
8:58 PM
This site really helped me out.. I think I'm stopping all of this nonsense. It might just be me, but I was on Tri-Sprintec for 2 months when I first started birth control all together, and it made everything worse. I bled way heavier and my cramps were something from hell, TRUST me.
Then my insurance company pretty much screwed me over and didn't give me my birth control for a month.. so my doctor told me that I should just switch since I'm off it anyways.
So.. I get this Loestrin24fe. I take it the first day of my period because my doctor told me that it was the safest way as to not get pregnant. And then I bleed for over 2 weeks... which is NOT NORMAL for me at all. My periods last normally a few days, not 2 weeks! So then I wake up one night throwing up, and I'm a complete bitch to everyone and I'm constantly moody and depressed and my boyfriend is a saint for putting up with me. Not to mention the fact that only a week after my period ended, I was spotting the nastiest brown blood all week. It was terrible and just UGH. And it hasn't stopped..
And then one day I was feeling extremely sick, my head felt like it was 10000 degrees and my stomach felt like something was punching it, and that was the night that my boyfriend said that he hoped I wasn't pregnant. So of course, being 18, I ran out, bought a pregnancy test, and it came out negative. Then I started the brown pills and the spotting I have been getting for almost 2 weeks now just got kinda heavier. No change in the weird brown color, just a bit heavier. And cramps from HELL again.
So coming onto this site made me feel better. I'm not the only person feeling like this is the worst idea of all time.
I have one more pack of this, and I'm going to the doctor soon. I don't want to give this bc a chance if this is whats going to happen to me the whole time. Not having a period? Are you kidding me? Some people put that, I would FREAK OUT!
Something better change in this new pack or me and Loestrin, we're so over.
-- By x__shakeitupx | Reply | Private Message me
September 6th
2008
9:54 AM
I inserted Mirena in July of 2008 and since then I have had a continuous period (don't know when it comes, don't know when it ends) which is brown blood and it smells terrible, very bad cramps, MAJOR mood swings, body aches, fatigue & I have ABSOLUTELY NO SEX DRIVE... one positive thing I will say is that I have noticed that my acne has pretty much disappeared. My husband definitely feels the string thing in there, in fact, he said it feels like a "razor"! I am a healthy 26 year old with 2 children, never had an issue with my sex drive prior to the IUD... I feel totally disconnected and I am highly considering having it removed.
-- By ginafonina | Reply | (1) replies | Private Message me
August 25th
2008
11:38 PM
I've had Mirena for about 14 months now. Yeah, I HATE it.
The day they put it in, I was in the category where it took forever to place. Like 3-4 tries to place it. Thank God I'd had experience in handling this type of pain, having 2 children w/out epidurals.
I bled for 6 weeks straight, so the day I went for my follow-up, I stopped bleeding. Figures. I'm looking at the brochures in the office for a different type of contraceptive. The doctor thinks I'm stupid, why would I want to do that? Um, because it pokes my husbands penis head and I can see the red poke marks on it. So the doc trims the tail and loses a piece of it somewhere inside me. CRAZY!
The following month, I really started having low back pain. Then I herniate my L-5. I'm not sure that any of that is related to the IUD. Just speculating. Also speculation, I battled with thrush the entire 13 months I nursed my son. That was never the case with my first child.
So I go about a year with out a period that I can really speak of. Maybe some spotting, but I haven't thought about the thing much. Although, I don't remember ever having a positive thought about it. I could feel it during sex. I can't explain that feeling, but, it's like I could feel it poking my husband at times.
Now, I am having some CRAZY stomach bloat and I'm extremely exhausted. My back is still constantly hurting me. I'm spotting ALL the time. Mostly brown blood, though. Does that mean it's old blood? Every time I have sex, I will spot within the 2nd day. I've held off going to get it removed simply because I don't have insurance and am not looking to get pregnant again. However, I know that it needs to be done. There is something wrong inside me. I never had the weight gain issues other women had. But I am up 5 pounds right now and my belly looks to me like I'm 4 months prego. Matter of fact, I'll probably take a home test tomorrow so I don't have to pay for one at the GYNO.
Anybody know much about getting pregnant with an IUD? And why are doctors so gung-ho for IUD's? Is it because they are like $2000?
-- By jmjschwarz | Reply | (1) replies | Private Message me
July 8th
2008
3:52 AM
When I started this pill, originally, when I was about 15, I bled for 5 days, and then after that I began to slowly develop a stomach ache. Further more, my appetite not only vanished, but when I did eat, I had constipation / the runs.
I was on it for a year before stopping it for a few months, because I was becoming more moody than I normally am. For example, I would just start crying for no reason, or get very angry and hit people for no reason. Thought there's truly few good reasons to hit anyone.
I stopped the pills halfway through being 16. Stomach pain vanished, I began eating again, and having normal mood transitions.
When I started it up again, though, I bled for 18 days straight. Eighteen days of gushing blood all over the place. First 14 days was brown blood.
I stopped it after the 18th day, and got back onto it sometime in August. My everything seemed normal. Then the lack of appetite returned. And the stomach pain. The stomach pain actually got worse! I went to the doctor. Had to get a GI Series, drank a nasty barium solution, came up positive for... a stomach ulcer!
My doctor checked me for the virus, didn't have it. He chocked it up to Loestrin, though he said my stress probably made the ulcer worse. No less, he said it was all Loestrin's fault.
Recently, I stopped taking Loestrin 24 Fe again, with no intent of going back on it. And now, I have myself trouble breathing and some irregular heart beating, both which I plan to have checked out.
I do not plan to ever go back on Loestrin 24 Fe.
I did not enjoy explaining to people, at age 17, that the reason I couldn't eat spicy food or drink juice was because I didn't want to upset my ulcer, and needing to pop a Tums every two hours or so.
This is my story; if your stomach has been hurting, I hope you get checked for an ulcer.
-- By myrkr | Reply | Private Message me
June 17th
2008
5:44 PM
I received my first kenalog shot around the 25th of May. I was due to begin my period around the 1st of June. I have always had regular periods. Since this shot, it seem like I was going to start like normal. There were signs of red and brown blood. For around 3-4 days I would bleed very very lightly. Then, now going on for about 3 weeks I am continuing to spot bleed. The blood seems to be old blood, because it is brown. The only thing that has been different to my body is the shot. I am assuming it is from the kenalog shot. My doctor did not tell me that this would occur.
-- By dianarenee | Reply | Private Message me
June 8th
2008
8:43 AM
I was on Yasmin for 6 months before my wedding. i had to go to the hospital for the headaches I was getting....they were indescribably painful. i stopped Yasmin end of aug and got my period normal for sept-jan. then feb and march skipped but had weird cramping and nausea and then got in randomly in april but was brown blood only. then may skipped. i demanded blood work and got tested last tues for thyroid, glucose, insulin, and hormone levels to help rule out PCOS. i am worried i have pcos or premenopause from the pill. i should get the results tomorrow.
-- By bbernstein1 | Reply | Private Message me
June 4th
2008
1:56 PM
I started taking Lo24 on the first day of my period on May 19th and have been bleeding ever since. I called the doctor and am waiting for a call back, but I'm seriously considering just finishing this pack and saying the heck with it. Anyone else have a constant flow when first starting the pills?
-- By xx123 | Reply | (3) replies | Private Message me
April 3th
2008
8:13 PM
Wow ladies!! First off, thank you, all of you, for taking the time to share your stories.
I had my Mirena inserted mid March 2008. It is April 3rd today, and so far I'm not a fan.
Insertion was easy. I barely felt anything. Minor cramping afterwards, some spotting. The worst part was the black gritty sand like discharge. (previous poster compared it to coffee grounds) Every time I sat down or stood up I could feel the grit rubbing inside me. It was the most AWFUL feeling in the world.
I have been spotting every single day since insertion. I did have a full period (started a few days before Easter) and it lasted about a week and a half. It was moderate to heavy. I did have more than usual cramping for me. And with every cramp I felt a sharp stab in my uterus. I imagined it was my uterus pressing down on the IUD. It was very uncomfortable. Now my "period" is over and I am still spotting! Its strange though. My discharge is clear, but with streaks of purpleish/brown blood. Its not typical spotting. But i've ruined one too many pairs of good underwear so its starting to get on my nerves!!!! I thought this was supposed to STOP bleeding. I've bleed every day in some shape or form.
My one month checkup is on the 10th. I am going to express my concerns with my doctor, but I know she'll blow me off like everyone else. I am getting a lot of pressure from my husband to keep it, despite the side effects. We already have 4 children, and dont want any more for a few more years.
Other side effects I am experiencing that I can only assume are from the Mirena (they might not be, but I cant explain them any other way):
- I feel stupid! Im spacey, i cant think straight. Very forgetful. Simple jokes go over my head.
- my vision is wacky. I feel like im staring through a haze. I have a hard time focusing on objects or fine print. I have never had a vision problem before!
- i feel weak and woozy occasionally.
- extra crampy. and often feel pings and pangs in my uterus.
- increased thirst
- slight paranoia. I actually feel like all my friends are mad at me, when i know they arent.
- I sweat at night.
- moody.
- my nails are all dry and splitting. I normally have very healthy nails
- a general feeling of laziness. It takes a ton of motivation to get up sometimes. I have 4 kids and I work full time...I'm not a lazy person! I cant be! So this feeling is very frustrating!
- I'd rather sleep than have sex. which for me is abnormal. I am more of a hornball than my husband usually. hahaha
wow this list is longer than I thought!!
I'm going to give this thing more time. But so far I am not a fan. I know it works for some women....but these things were not in the little pamphlet they pass out! I guess if they were no one would get this thing!
Thanks for listening!
-- By missangi | Reply | (4) replies | Private Message me
October 24th
2007
7:10 PM
I had the Mirena IUD inserted on October 10th. I had it switched from the copper IUD because I was spotting dark brown blood prior to my period, so my gyno recommended the switch. I spotted for the rest of the day, then stopped for two days, then began what I would call my period, since I was due for it later that week anyway. I am still bleeding, but I'd like to believe I'm nearing the end, since it seems to be lightening up. I expected my period to be fairly long after insertion.
The day after insertion, I experienced severe itching and swelling down there, and decided that I must have a yeast infection, but both symptoms are listed as side effects on the sheet I got from my pharmacy. I treated the infection, but still itch from time to time... I'm wondering if it's the hormones in the IUD.
On the weekend of October 19th, I lost my appetite, my sex drive, all sense of sexual pleasure and my ability to acheive orgasm. I ate three meals all weekend long, and only because I felt that I should eat, not because I was hungry. Sexually, I felt friction and not much else. Upon trying to climax 4 seperate times over the course of the weekend, I failed at all 4 attempts and all I got from my efforts was sore muscles, frustration and tears from being so upset by it. I have never experienced problems with sex or climaxing in the 14 years I've been with my husband. However, a couple of days before insertion, we had had sex and it was fabulous, as always. I climax every time we have sex, so it's been very upsetting.
I weighed myself today, just out of curiosity, and since the insertion, I've lost 7 lbs. I'm not dieting, not exercising, not even trying to lose any weight.
Upon calling my gyno and discussing my symptoms with her assistant, I was told that it couldn't be the Mirena, because the amount of hormones in it are so minute that they wouldn't affect anything outside of the uterus. I was told that something else in my life must be causing my sexual problems. !!! I don't think so! The IUD is the only thing that has changed in the past 2 weeks! And how do you explain a sudden loss of 7 lbs??? She didn't want to say it straight out, but she was trying to tell me it was all in my head.
I've had sex again since my failed attempts, and it's getting better, as is my appetite, so I'm hoping that my body is simply adjusting to the new IUD and getting used to the hormones. I have not been on any medication or hormones in the past two years, as I've been pregnant and then breastfeeding, so it might be quite a shock to my system.
If my inability to acheive climax continues, I am going ot have the IUD removed and have another copper IUD put in. My sex life isn't worth this.
-- By ddr_74 | Reply | (7) replies | Private Message me
October 21th
2007
9:37 PM
I am 2 weeks and 3 days into taking this pill for the first month and I don't know if I should stay on it. I just started to get brownish blood/spotting and cramps in my back. I am afraid I might be pregnant although my boyfriend always pulls out on time. There is a chance that some precum got inside me, but I haven't been too worried since I don't think it's very likely to get pregnant from precum while on the pill. Should I be worried or are these symptoms normal? I also have had more frequent mood swings and anxiety, but I suffer from both anyway. From all the bad things I have heard, I am eager to switch back to Ortho-Tri Cyclen. Is there a big difference between the pills and the amount of protection they offer from getting pregnant? If any information can be given, I would really appreciate it.
-- By jdkq | Reply | (2) replies | Private Message me
July 26th
2004
6:35 AM
Ive been on Aviane for 2 months switching from Aleese I have notice Very dark brown blood and thick No Heavy Bleeding and this month Just a spect of blood No sign or sysptoms of pregnacy my fiancee was very happy this month
with smiles.
Mirena (10) Loestrin 24 Fe (5) NuvaRing (2) Kenalog (1) Yasmin (1) Aviane (1) Quasense (1)
June 18th
2009
12:47 PM
I cannot believe that I found this site. I just had yet another symptom pop up within the last few days -- joint pain. The pain is so extreme. I got my Mirena put in April 13, 2009 and it's been awful. I also have a sensitive cervix and bled all over the table and it was so extreme that the nurse had to use a handful of nitrix things to cautirize the area. Anyways, I was lucky that after my third child that I lost the weight almost immediately. I also have a low thyroid, which makes the weight loss all the more remarkable. I had the Mirena put in 2 months after having my son. I haven't stopped bleeding. I experience both the red and brown blood. I'm passing blood clots daily. I get light-headed and put on 10 pounds in 4 days. My hair is falling out. I have horrible abdominal pain, lower back pain and feel overall pretty lousy. As if my symptoms weren't enough to discourage intimate relations the severe bleeding any time we do have relations would. I surely thought that these symptoms were from my thyroid. I just had it tested. My levels were actually in the hyperthyroid range at 0.3 -- it's never been that low. Now, I'm wondering if like a lot of you that the MIRENA may be to blame. It's ridiculous how awful and woozy I feel. I haven't felt this bad ever!
-- By sittigcs | Reply | Private Message me